Problem 540
As shown in Fig. P-540, two blocks each weighing 20 kN and resting on a horizontal surface, are to be pushed apart by a 30° wedge. The angle of friction is 15° for all contact surfaces. What value of P is required to start movement of the blocks? How would this answer be changed if the weight of one of the blocks were increased by 30 kN?

Problem 539
The block A in Fig. P-539 supports a load W = 100 kN and is to be raised by forcing the wedge B under it. The angle of friction for all surfaces in contact is f = 15°. If the wedge had a weight of 40 kN, what value of P would be required (a) to start the wedge under the block and (b) to pull the wedge out from under the block?

Problem 533
A uniform bar AB, weighing 424 N, is fastened by a frictionless pin to a block weighing 200 N as shown in Fig. P-533. At the vertical wall, μ = 0.268 while under the block, μ = 0.20. Determine the force P needed to start motion to the right.

Problem 532
In Fig. P-532, two blocks each weighing 1.5 kN are connected by a uniform horizontal bar which weighs 1.0 kN. If the angle of friction is 15° under each block, find P directed parallel to the 45° incline that will cause impending motion to the left.

Problem 531
A uniform plank of weight W and total length 2L is placed as shown in Fig. P-531 with its ends in contact with the inclined planes. The angle of friction is 15°. Determine the maximum value of the angle α at which slipping impends.

Problem 530
A plank 10 ft long is placed in a horizontal position with its ends resting on two inclined planes, as shown in Fig. P-530. The angle of friction is 20°. Determine how close the load P can be placed to each end before slipping impends.

Problem 526
A ladder 6 m long has a mass of 18 kg and its center of gravity is 2.4 m from the bottom. The ladder is placed against a vertical wall so that it makes an angle of 60° with the ground. How far up the ladder can a 72-kg man climb before the ladder is on the verge of slipping? The angle of friction at all contact surfaces is 15°.